Research Students

Hiyam Al-Riyami (h.al-riyami1@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  PhD. Topic: Mapping the Capacity of Health Promotion Interventions for Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman.
PhD. Co-Supervisors:  Dr. Lisa Pursell and Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn 

This study examines the level of knowledge, skills, commitment, system, structure and leadership that exist for promoting interventions (including policies, organisational and community level strategies) that are integrated into the existing structures for reducing non-communicable diseases in Oman. This is in order to identify gaps to determine where further Health Promotion capacity is required. This study will use a mixed methods approach to Health Promotion capacity mapping.

Barbara Battel-Kirk (b.battel-kirk1@nuigalway.ie)
PhD. Topic: Evaluating the uptake and impact of core competencies for Health Promotion on practice and education in Europe 2012-2017.
PhD. Supervisor: Professor Margaret Barry

The aim of this study is to evaluate the uptake and impact of Core Competencies for Health Promotion in practice and education in Europe 2012 to 2017. The study will also explore how the experiences of implementing the competencies in Europe can inform their expansion to global levels.

Lorraine Burke (l.burke2@nuigalway.ie)
PhD. Topic:  The contexts and circumstances of early sexual initiation among adolescents in Ireland: A mixed methods investigation.
PhD. Co-Supervisors:  Dr. Colette Kelly  Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn 

This study aims to investigate the context and circumstances surrounding early first sexual intercourse.  The methodology includes quantitative analysis of sexual behaviour data collected from 15-17 year olds through the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Ireland study.  The study will also qualitatively explore the views of adolescents through a series of participative workshops discussing findings arising from the qualitative phase of the research.  The study will provide an up-to-date understanding of the factors influencing Irish adolescent sexual initiation.

Mary Callaghan (m.callaghan5@nuigalway.ie)
PhD. Topic:  Exploring bullying and victimisation among post-primary school students in Ireland. 
PhD. Co-Supervisors:  Dr. Michal Molcho and Dr. Colette Kelly

The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of bullying among post-primary school students in Ireland.  Differences between traditional bullying and cyber bullying will also be explored.  This study will provide insight into factors influencing bullying and victimisation at the individual and school level in Ireland.

Saintuya Dashdondog (s.dashdondog2@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  Examining determinants of eating patterns in preschool settings in disadvantaged areas in Ireland.
PhD. Supervisor:  Dr. Colette Kelly 

Preschool years are a critical period for growth and development and healthy or unhealthy habits formed at this age may persist in later years; therefore, preschools may serve as an important setting for Health Promotion.  Research shows that there is a strong relationship between low socioeconomic status and poor quality diets.  The aim of this study is to identify factors that influence eating patterns among pre-schoolers attending childcare settings in disadvantaged areas.  This project will examine staff, children, and parents' perceptions and behaviours toward healthy eating at childcare settings and develop recommendations for promoting healthy eating in preschools in disadvantaged areas.

Katherine Dowling (k.dowling3@nuigalway.ie)
PhD. Topic: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the MindOut Mental Wellbeing Programme in Post-Primary.
PhD. Supervisor: Professor Margaret Barry

This study will evaluate the recently revised MindOut programme, a social and emotional wellbeing programme for young people aged 15-18 years in post-primary schools. The evaluation seeks to determine the impact of this revised 12 session programme on young people’s social and emotional skills, academic outcomes and their mental health and wellbeing. Employing a randomised controlled study design, the evaluation will be undertaken with approximately 34 post-primary schools across the country in order to determine if the revised programme has beneficial outcomes for young people who receive the programme in comparison to those who do not. Additionally, this study will examine the process of implementation of the programme in order to determine the key characteristics and conditions that need to be in place in order to ensure programme effectiveness.

Kathy Ann Fox (k.fox3@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  Changes in attitudes towards alcohol use and drinking behaviours in early to mid-adolescence.
PhD. Co-Supervisors:  Dr. Michal Molcho and Dr. Colette Kelly.

This study investigates the changes in drinking behaviours and intentions, focusing particularly on adolescent attitudes and perceived norms towards alcohol, while utilising a prospective design that will allow follow-up of 13-15 year old adolescents, an age range where dramatic change in drinking behaviour has been identified.  Applying Social Norms theory, this study will provide insight into the complex mix of influencing factors that could explain changes in drinking behaviours, thus informing the development of interventions aimed at reducing adolescent alcohol use in Ireland.

Aoife Gavin (a.gavin2@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  Exploring trends in health behaviours among children in Ireland: 1998-2010.
PhD. Co-Supervisors:  Dr. Michal Molcho and Dr. Colette Kelly

The aim of this study is to explore the trends in health behaviours among school-aged children in Ireland between 1998 and 2010 primarily utilising the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. The study will involve secondary data analysis, with methodological considerations for analysing cross-sectional trends data. A systematic review of peer-reviewed papers presenting trends data is underway to identify appropriate statistical approaches.

Helen Grealish (h.grealish1@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  Assessing the impact of research on the development of policy in child and youth affairs. 
PhD. Supervisor:  Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn

This study assesses the use of research in developing policy in the area of drug and alcohol misuse among adolescents in Ireland over a ten-year period.  This research project is using a triangulation of methods. Interviews will be conducted with participants from the research institutions who produce research and with policy makers whom the researchers seek to influence. Documentary analysis will be undertaken to identify how much of the published research is referenced in policy documents and in other documents relating to the decision making process. It is also testing the conceptual model, the Research Impact Framework(Kuruvilla et al., 2006).

Mary Hardiman (m.hardiman4@nuigalway.ie)
MPhil. Topic: Inclusive Education – to examine from the teacher’s perspective, their attitudes, perceptions towards inclusive education / an analysis and comparison between a number of schools.
MPhil. Supervisor: Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn

Almas Kazmi (a.kazmi1@nuigalway.ie)
PhD. Topic: Investigating Mental Health Literacy Among Muslim Migrant Adolescents in Ireland.
PhD. Co-Supervisors: Professor Margaret Barry and Dr. Catherine-Anne Field

The focus of the research is to investigate the mental health literacy levels of Muslim migrant adolescents of India and Pakistan, living in Ireland, in terms of their understanding of mental health and related issues. This research will investigate mental health literacy and mental health related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Indo-Pak Muslim adolescents. This research will include structured survey questionnaires to explore the understanding of adolescents about mental health. After the exploration phase, on the basis of findings, the research will seek to promote the mental health literacy of the target population and reduce stigma through the use of modern technology.

Ursula Kenny (u.kenny2@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  Peer influences on the adolescent body image.
PhD. Supervisor:  Dr. Colette Kelly

The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of peers on body image among adolescents aged 13-17 in Ireland.  Specifically, this study aims to explore: (i) adolescents' perceptions on the mechanisms through which peers influence body image; (ii) other factors that influence adolescent body image relative to peers; and (iii) the impact of cyberbullying and peer support on body image among youth in Ireland.  This study should provide an insight into the magnitude of and mechanism through which peers influence body image among youth in Ireland. 

Claire Kerins (c.kerins2@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic: The impact of calorie menu labelling in Irish hospital canteens.
PhD. Supervisor: Dr. Colette Kelly

Claire is a PhD scholar on the HRB SPHeRE (Structured Population Health and Health Services Research Education) Programme. In year 1, she will complete six modules in Population Health and Health Services Research which are delivered in various institutions across Ireland. She will also undertake an 8-week national placement in year 1 and participant in on-going peer-learning events through-out the year. Furthermore, Claire will develop her thesis proposal for submission in July 2017. Her topic of interest is menu labelling specially the effect of calorie menu labelling on food purchases in hospital canteens, which will be examined using a cluster randomised trial.

Nurul Kodriati (n.kodriati1@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  Men's health and gender specific behaviours toward health in Indonesia. 
PhD. Supervisor:  Dr. Lisa Pursell

Statistically, men's life expectancy is less compared to women.  Moreover, men have a higher death rate for the top five causes of death.  The main explanations for the data are that men have a tendancy to do more risky behaviours such as smoking, alcohol and drug misuse.  Men also pay less attention to their health as evidenced by lower attendance at screening programmes, delaying going to health professionals or having poorer dietary habits.  The overall aim of this study is to explore how masculinity influences behaviour choices and decisions about health among men and how Health Promotion interventions and health policy can be developed according to the specific needs and values of men.

Tuuli Kuosmanen (t.kuosmanen1@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  The use of online technologies to promote the mental health and wellbeing of young people in an alternative education setting in Ireland.
PhD. Supervisor:  Professor Margaret Barry 

Computerised mental health promotion and prevention programmes show promise in improving youth mental health and wellbeing, however, their use with more valuable young people remains relatively unstudied.  This mixed methods study explores the use of computerised mental health programmes at Youthreach, the National Second-Chance Education Programme for Early School Leavers.  In the first phase of the study, students and staff needs in relation to the delivery of computerised programmes are explored in student workshops and staff discussions.  The second phase incorporates a RCT design to examine the effectiveness and implementation of two existing programmes, SPARX and MOODGym.  The programme impact on indicators of positive and negative mental health is measured.  User satisfaction and acceptability is explored in post-intervention questionnaires and discussions.

Verna McKenna (v.mckenna2@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic: An investigation of the development of health literacy over time for persons attending a structured risk prevention programme. 
PhD. Supervisor:  Professor Margaret Barry

Health literacy is an essential component of pursuing health and well-being in modern society. Health literacy includes peoples’ knowledge, motivation and competencies to assess, understand, appraise and apply health information to promote their health and those of family/community. It is relevant for making decisions in everyday life in terms of healthcare, disease prevention and health promotion. To date, little is currently known or understood about how it might develop over time or the processes by which people might become more health literate.  The aim of this study is to investigate and describe how individuals participating in a structured cardiovascular risk prevention and health promotion programme develop and practice health literacy in the management of their health. The study employs a longitudinal qualitative study design to explore changes in health literacy practices over a 12 month period.  

Teresa Meaney (teresa.meaney@nuigalway.ie)
PhD. Topic: Irish mothers experience of persisting with breastfeeding.
PhD. Supervisor: Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn

Despite the accepted social, emotional and health benefits associated with breastfeeding the incidence of breastfeeding in Ireland is at an alarmingly low level (56% ERSI 2012) with Ireland having one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. The aim of this study is to use a qualitative phenomenological longitudinal research approach to understand and gain insight into Irish mother’s experience of breastfeeding. It is anticipated that this study will provide a meaningful understanding of mother’s experience of persisting with breastfeeding. Knowledge may be generated to inform policy makers and health professionals on necessary areas for development in the promotion and support of breastfeeding.

Lhara Mullins (l.mullins3@nuigalway.ie)
PhD. Topic: A qualitative piece of research aiming to ascertain the quality of olderpeople’s care in their homes. This research will gauge the effectiveness of the current delivery of service and the impact of the current quasi-market system.
PhD. Supervisor: Dr. Margaret Hodgins

Christina Murphy (c.murphy1@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic: From paper to practice: an exploration of teacher-delivered relationships and sexuality education in Ireland.
PhD. Supervisor:  Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn   

This study explores the implementation of Relationships and Sexuality Education in-service training and how this training translates into practice in the classroom. This exploration aims to provide insight into what helps or hinders RSE implementation in a real world context. A mixed method approach was employed at both training and school-level.

Áine O'Brien (a.obrien24@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic:  Characteristics of Injury Fatalities in the West of Ireland: Investigating Coroner Reports.
PhD. Co-Supervisors:  Dr. Michal Molcho and Dr. Margaret Hodgins

Trauma from injury and violence represents a major public health problem affecting individuals, families and communities.  Annually, it accounts for 5 million deaths worldwide (9% of global mortality).  In Ireland, it is the fourth leading cause of mortality, yet inadequate research has been published in this area.  Death certificate records provide limited data on injury mortality.  Coroner inquest reports provide case information collated from multiple sources (including police reports, witness statements, coronial autopsy and forensic pathologist post mortem and toxicology examinations).  Comprehensive information is available in these reports regarding the manner and mechanism of injury, the presence of alcohol and drugs, detailed descriptions of injuries and a narrative of the circumstances resulting in death.  This study investigates characteristics of injury-related fatalities in the West of Ireland over a 5 year period through these data sources.

Lindsay Sullivan (l.sullivan2@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic: The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of Lasting Impact: a Concussion Education Programme for Youth GAA Athletes and Coaches.
PhD. Co-Supervisors:  Dr. Michal Molcho and Dr. Lisa Pursell

This study sets out to develop, implement, and evaluate a theory-based concussion education programme for adolescent GAA athletes and coaches.  Using mixed methods, this study will assess the short- and long-term effects of the intervention on athletes' and coaches' concussion knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy, concussion reporting intention and behaviours.

Elena Vaughan ( e.vaughan3@nuigalway.ie) 
PhD. Topic: Sex, Stigma and Silence: Sexual Politics and the Discursive Construction of HIV in Ireland.
PhD. Co-Supervisors:  Dr. Martin Power and Dr. Jane Sixsmith

The aim of this study is to investigate the discourse of HIV and the phenomena of HIV-related stigma in Ireland. The study draws on theories of language and ideology by theorists such as Foucault and Bourdieu and will apply a Critical Discourse Analysis framework in the analysis of media and policy texts pertaining to HIV.  In addition, interviews with people living with HIV will be conducted in order to evaluate their experiences of stigma and discrimination.

Jaroslava Velartova (j.velartova1@nuigalway.ie) 
MPhil. Topic:  Defining and managing risk in adult social care disability services.
MPhil. Supervisor:  Dr. Martin Power

This research will explore understandings that surround the manner in which risk is defined, perceived and operationalised by stakeholders.  While risk assessment has become ubiquitous in social care, service users, social care staff and service provider managers often approach risks differently.  As a consequence, there can be challenges to balancing competing demands of independence, autonomy, health, safety and duty of care.

Kerry Ward (kerry.ward@nuigalway.ie)
MPhil. Topic: Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
MPhil. Supervisor: Professor Margaret Barry